Urinary Incontinence in Men

As do women, men have a pelvic floor, which helps to support organs, prevent leakage and contribute to orgasm. Men, of course, have their own unique physiology, which can result in Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Learn more about causes and concerns of urinary incontinence in men and how it relates to male pelvic health.

What is Urinary Incontinence?

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the loss of bladder control, resulting in a strong urge to urinate immediately, and sometimes, accidental and involuntary leakage. This can vary from small dribbles of urine to sudden accidents.

UI can be an embarrassing condition that disrupts everyday life. Most men find the urinary leakage occurs while exercising – specifically running, jumping, or lifting weights – or when they laugh, cough, or sneeze.

Causes of Urinary Incontinence in Men

For men experiencing urinary incontinence, there could be a number of health and lifestyle reasons that may be causing this. 

Prostate Gland

Among a few important anatomical differences, men have a prostate gland underneath the bladder, which compresses the urethra and helps prevent urinary incontinence (leakage). This gland enlarges with age in all men, but can cause a problem if growth results in compression of the urethra. This is known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). 80% of Men will develop BPH and 1/3 of men will develop lower urinary tract symptoms requiring treatment. 

Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy can be:

• urinary retention
• weak urine stream
• nocturne (needing to void at night)
• straining to urinate
• urgency and/or just feeling unable to fully empty

Cancer and Leakage

Another common concern related to the prostate: Cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in America, following skin cancer. BPH does not cause cancer, although someone may have both at the same time. BPH and Prostate Cancer may both be treated surgically with prostatectomy. 

There are more than one approaches and methods of surgery, depending on the needs of the individual. 

Removing part of the prostate, as it helps to compress the urethra, can contribute to post-op urinary incontinence. Part of the pelvic floor muscles, the urinary sphincters, are located within the prostate gland. Therefore, depending on location of the pathology and surgical treatment, layer(s) of the pelvic floor may be removed. 

Additionally, radiation as part of treatment for prostate cancer results in tissue changes that can result in urinary incontinence. 

Other Causes 

Other causes of urinary incontinence in men may be related to diagnoses such as: 

• Diabetes
• Stroke
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Multiple Sclerosis

Types of Urinary Incontinence for Men

As with women, there are different types of urinary incontinence for men. 

1. Stress Incontinence (SUI) is when we leak urine on impact or change in intra-abdominal pressure.
2. Urge Incontinence (UUI) involves urinary urgency, typically with panic about making it to the bathroom in time, and sometimes pelvic pain.
3. Mixed Incontinence (MUI) is a combination of SUI and UUI.

Any of the conditions above can result in any of these three types of urinary conditions. This is why it’s important to have an assessment by a specialist trained in evaluating the male pelvic floor, to ensure that your rehab program can be designed specifically for your needs.

Male Pelvic Floor Exams for Urinary Incontinence

A Pelvic Floor muscle exam can be the first step for men experiencing urinary incontinence. The exam may include external exam and/or intrarectal exam. Research suggests that when possible, working with physical therapy prior to prostate procedures may reduce the time to return to prior level of function. This may enable someone to return to work and societal roles sooner, which is an important piece of recovery for many. 

Sessions to improve male pelvic health typically involve time in a private room, beginning with manual techniques and/or exercises performed on a table, then progressing to more typical functional activities and exercises in the gym. This way, you can apply what you have gained from isolating important muscles and train them to respond during activities that you perform in your everyday life. 

Getting Started With Pelvic Floor Therapy

Do you have more questions on how pelvic floor physical therapy can help with urinary incontinence for men? Many men are seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist to address UI and get back to living their lives free of fear or embarrassment due to leakage.

Contact the Las Vegas physical therapists at Pillar Kinetic today to get started.